This is a must-see episode for anyone interested in the 86-99 relationship. Tired of being taken for granted and not seeing any progress in her relationship with Max (perhaps she was really hurt by Max asking her to find him a blonde date at the beginning of "Little Black Book"), 99 decides to leave CONTROL and accept a marriage proposal from the wealthy and handsome Victor Royale. Max still can't seem to express his feelings for her. While its plain 99 just needs to hear "Don't go", he doesn't say it. Director Bruce Bilson does a terrific job in the opening sequence in deciding NOT to use a laugh track, despite a number of jokes that could use a little help. He lets the emotions play instead.
Although afraid to tell 99 how he really feels, he flies down ahead of her to check out this Victor Royale and perhaps work up his courage to stop the wedding. There's some funny scenes in Royale's Casino (Casino Royale, get it?) and Max actually saves Royale's life. He is hired as Royale's bodyguard just as 99 arrives. She's surprised to see him, and he's surprised her name is Susan Hilton (later revealed to be a cover name, but Susan kind of fits her). Max later discovers Royale is a cheat and a KAOS agent (though notably he did NOT know 99 was a CONTROL agent--he really loved her) which leads to a "winner take all" game of cards.
Bob Hope does a terrific cameo as a bellboy delivering champagne to 99 and Royale, and the way they finally explore the Max-99 relationship makes this a must see. The only problem with it is it doesn't go far enough at the end. 99 really fell for Royale. Royale fell for her. Now he's dead, and even though Max came after her, their feelings for each other and their ongoing relationship is left unresolved.
Although afraid to tell 99 how he really feels, he flies down ahead of her to check out this Victor Royale and perhaps work up his courage to stop the wedding. There's some funny scenes in Royale's Casino (Casino Royale, get it?) and Max actually saves Royale's life. He is hired as Royale's bodyguard just as 99 arrives. She's surprised to see him, and he's surprised her name is Susan Hilton (later revealed to be a cover name, but Susan kind of fits her). Max later discovers Royale is a cheat and a KAOS agent (though notably he did NOT know 99 was a CONTROL agent--he really loved her) which leads to a "winner take all" game of cards.
Bob Hope does a terrific cameo as a bellboy delivering champagne to 99 and Royale, and the way they finally explore the Max-99 relationship makes this a must see. The only problem with it is it doesn't go far enough at the end. 99 really fell for Royale. Royale fell for her. Now he's dead, and even though Max came after her, their feelings for each other and their ongoing relationship is left unresolved.
